Latest news with #iCar
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Chery-owned iCar coming to South Africa as renamed iCaur
Off-road devised EV brand will be a standalone marque similar Omoda & Jaecoo and Jetour, and launch officially in August before sales start in the first quarter of 2026. Retro-styled V23 is likely to be one of the models iCaur will bring to South Africa. Image: iCaur South Africa After a series of rumours stemming from the Shanghai International Auto Show in April this year, Chery has confirmed that its electric off-road-focused iCar brand will be debuting in 2026, but under a different name. How do you say it? Founded two years ago, with its first model, the 03, being shown at Chery's inaugural tech festival event in its hometown of Wuhu later that same year, the marque will function in a standalone capacity similar to its Omoda & Jaecoo and Jetour siblings. ALSO READ: All-electric Jaecoo J6's low running costs won't justify lofty price tag In a turnaround though, and because of copyright ownership, the brand will be known as iCaur. Still pronounced 'i-car', sales will commence in the first quarter of 2026, making it the 15th Chinese vehicle manufacturer in South Africa after its parent company and divisional trio, BAIC, BYD, Dayun, Dongfeng, Foton, GAC, Great Wall Motors (GWM) Haval, JAC, LDV and MG. Its operations taking place from a projected 15 dealers by the time of its market arrival, the initial iCaur line-up will seemingly consist of three models, the same number currently sold in China. What to expect? Jaecoo J6 no more. Prepare for iCaur 03 Of these, the 03 will formally debut as an iCaur after initial plans had been for it to debut as the Jaecoo J6. While shown as an iCar at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring last year, rebadging it as the J6 was eventually decided on for the starting of sales this year. Indeed, while a number of pre-production units were provided to the media badged as Jaecoos, plans on selling it came to an abrupt halt in a move now known to have been taken in response to the launching of iCar as iCaur. The iCar 03 made its world debut at Chery's Tech Day in Wuhu two years ago. Image: Charl Bosch As such, the 03 will take leave of the Jaecoo specific front-end and revert to its iCar frontal appearance, still with the inverted L-shaped headlights, and a lower case 'i' on the faux spare wheel cover that houses a storage area instead of the charging equipment. Dimensionally, the 03 measures 4 406 mm long, 1 910 mm wide and 1 715 mm tall with its wheelbase stretching 2 715 mm. The claimed ground clearance is 195 mm. The move to iCaur from Jaecoo will, speculatively, have a further impact on the 03's choice of powerplants as the J6 had been expected to offer only all-wheel-drive. iCar 03 made its debut, before becoming the Jaecoo J6, at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring last year. Image: Charl Bosch In this instance, the dual electric motor setup produces 205kW/385Nm from a 69.7-kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack. At the time, Jaecoo claimed a range of 364 km, 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and DC charging up to 80 kW that requires a waiting time of 30 minutes from 30-80%. In the case of the rear-wheel-drive, the battery pack produces 65.6-kWh and drives a single electric motor that makes 135kW/220Nm. The claimed range is 371 km and the 0-100 km/h dash 10.5 seconds. The iCar 03 was originally supposed to be sold as the Jaecoo J6. Image: Jaecoo Similar to the all-wheel-drive, the two-wheel-drive 03 supports DC charging up to 80 kW, and will necessitate the same 30 minute wait from 30-80%. Specification, while still to be divulged, will more than likely be carried over from the now defunct J6 and include the 15.6-inch infotainment display, heated and electric front seats, panoramic sunroof, a 540-degree surround-view camera system and a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster. iCar 03T likely? Showcased at the end of last year, the improved 03T, which sports sharper styling, wider wheel arches and subtle rear facia changes, could also be earmarked for South Africa as it is reportedly under consideration for Malaysia, according to As per the 03T, also sold as the rebadged Chery X3 Plus in China, measures 4 327 mm in overall length, with the rest of its dimensions being similar to the 03 that also goes by the name Chery X3. Updated iCar 03T could also be in-line for South Africa. Image: iCar Power, reportedly, comes from a 68.3-kWh battery pack that produces 185 kW. Suggestively, this amounts to the all-wheel-drive as official iCar pricing claims a range of between 501 km and 520 km based on China's CLTC measurements. Pricing reportedly ranges from 119 800 yuan (R298 505) to 129 800 yuan (R323 422). Retro V23 Depicted in the brand's official confirmation statement, the third model it currently produces, the retro-styled V23, will serve as the alternative to the 03 and possibly, as the entry-level iCaur product. An aesthetic combination of the Toyota Land Cruiser 40-series when viewed from the front, the Defender 110 from the side and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class at the rear, the V23 made its world debut last year as a joint venture between Chery and the Zhimi Technology division of smartphone marker, Xiaomi A supposed tribute to the Soviet-era Beijing Jeep BJ212 that has been used by the Chinese military since 1965, the V23 has measurement of 4 220 mm in overall length, a height of 1 845 mm, width of 1 915 mm and wheelbase of 2 735 mm. Sporting a claimed 200 mm of ground clearance, the V23's departure angle is set at 41-degrees and its approach at 43-deegers. No details surrounding its breakover angle was divulged. V23's rear bears more than a close resemble to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Image: On the power front, the V23 offers a choice of two battery packs; the entry-level being a 59.9-kWh module powering a single rear-axle mounted electric motor developing 100kW/180Nm. Based on CLTC measurements, which differ from the WLTP used in Europe and by in-large, South Africa, the two-wheel-drive V23 will do 401 km on a single charge and require a waiting time of 30 minutes from 30-80%. Producing the same power, the extended range two-wheel-drive receives a bigger 81.7-kWh battery that translates to a claimed CLTC range of 550 km. V23's interior sports a central display similar in appearance to the Ineos Grenadier. Image: iCar Finally, the all-wheel-drive retains the bigger battery pack, but adds a 55kW/112Nm motor to the front axle for a combined output of 155kW/292Nm. In this guise, the range falls to 501 km, while the claimed waiting time remains at 30 minutes from 30-80%. Sporting an interior similar to that of the Ineos Grenadier, notable specification items consist of a 15.4-inch infotainment system, the 540-degree surround-view camera, a series of physical climate control dials and Adaptive Cruise Control. Priced from 109 900 yuan to 149 800 yuan in China, which equates to R273 746 and R373 132 respectively when converted directly and without the various taxes included, the V23 is likely to be priced significantly higher once sales in South Africa commence next year. Almost here The brand will its official debut at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring in August where more details will be revealed. ALSO READ: Preview for South Africa? All-electric Jaecoo J6 debuts in Thailand
IOL News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Chinese brand iCaur to launch in South Africa - will its bold-looking SUVs be a breath of fresh air?
The iCaur V23 is a compact electric SUV with rugged looks. Image: Supplied And just when you thought the South African market could not possibly accommodate another Chinese vehicle brand, it's time to meet the iCaur. A product of the Chery Group, the iCaur vehicles are certainly not run of the mill, and South Africans will be able to experience them first hand when the brand launches locally during the first quarter of 2026. The brand is actually called iCar in China, but for obvious trademark reasons, it has been changed to iCaur for international markets. As a relatively new brand, established as an all-electric nameplate in China in 2023, iCaur aims to bring a more playful and user-centric spirit to the new energy vehicle market, says SA brand and marketing manager Shannon Gahagan. The local vehicle line-up has yet to be announced, but iCaur SA has released pictures of a boxy compact SUV called the V23. The brand also offers a larger (but also somewhat boxy) SUV called the iCaur 03 in some overseas markets, and interestingly, this vehicle has already been confirmed for South Africa as the Jaecoo J6. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The iCaur 03 is badged as the Jaecoo J6 in some markets. Image: Supplied The iCaur V23 boasts rugged looks and with a length of 4,220mm, it's not a great deal larger than the Suzuki Jimny 5-door. It is offered in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive guises, with respective power outputs of 100kW and 155kW. Customers abroad can also choose between two battery sizes, with the 59.9 kWh entry option enabling a claimed range of 400km and the larger 81.8 kWh unit allowing 550km. iCaur intends to create a whole lifestyle experience around the brand. Image: Supplied In addition to standing out through emotional design and creating new vehicle segments, iCaur is also aiming to create a lifestyle ecosystem of sorts, extending beyond the car to include gear, content and experiences. The South African importer is currently finalising its dealer network and aims to have 15 dealerships up and running by the time of launch. 'South Africa is a country with a rich outdoor lifestyle, vibrant urban culture, and an increasingly energy-conscious mindset,' Gahagan concluded. 'These are the communities iCAUR is built for.' South Africans will get their first taste of the new vehicles at the Festival of Motoring, to be held at Kyalami from August 29. IOL Motoring Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
The Advertiser
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Ineos may use Chery platform for smaller SUV
The Ineos Fusilier may actually come to life after all, but with a little help from Chinese automaker Chery. According to Autocar, Ineos has opened discussions with Chery about using the Chery's iCar battery-electric (EV) and range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) platform architecture for the stalled Fusilier project. Ineos unveiled the Fusilier concept in February 2024 with a view to putting it into production by 2027 as smaller companion to the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster ute. The Fusilier concept had a skateboard platform designed for pure electric and EREV drivetrains. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. By July that year, though, the company beat a strategic retreat, delaying the car's launch indefinitely due to "reluctant consumer uptake of EVs, and industry uncertainty around tariffs, timings and taxation". Using an existing platform from another automaker will save Ineos both time and money. Once the Fusilier is on the market, it will help Ineos meet its CO2 emissions targets in the UK and Europe. At present Ineos sells some of its cars as commercial vehicles, as they have less stringent targets. Currently the iCar brand is only available in China, although the brand's first model, the 03, is available in some export markets under the Chery or Jaecoo marques. The iCar V23 (above), which was unveiled at the end of 2024 and measures just 4.2m long, is available with a 100kW/180Nm single-motor drivetrain with either a 47.3kWh or 59.9kWh battery, or a 155kW/292Nm dual-motor system with an 81.8kWh battery. Chery has confirmed it will launch the iCar brand in Europe and Australia, although in these markets the name is being tweaked to iCaur in order to avoid a trademark conflict with Apple. Should this collaboration with Ineos come about, it will be Chery's second SUV partnership with a foreign brand. Through its relationship with JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), it will build and launch the Freelander brand in China before taking it across the world. The new Freelander models will replace local production of Jaguar and Land Rover models at the company's joint venture factory in Changshu. MORE: Everything Ineos Content originally sourced from: The Ineos Fusilier may actually come to life after all, but with a little help from Chinese automaker Chery. According to Autocar, Ineos has opened discussions with Chery about using the Chery's iCar battery-electric (EV) and range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) platform architecture for the stalled Fusilier project. Ineos unveiled the Fusilier concept in February 2024 with a view to putting it into production by 2027 as smaller companion to the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster ute. The Fusilier concept had a skateboard platform designed for pure electric and EREV drivetrains. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. By July that year, though, the company beat a strategic retreat, delaying the car's launch indefinitely due to "reluctant consumer uptake of EVs, and industry uncertainty around tariffs, timings and taxation". Using an existing platform from another automaker will save Ineos both time and money. Once the Fusilier is on the market, it will help Ineos meet its CO2 emissions targets in the UK and Europe. At present Ineos sells some of its cars as commercial vehicles, as they have less stringent targets. Currently the iCar brand is only available in China, although the brand's first model, the 03, is available in some export markets under the Chery or Jaecoo marques. The iCar V23 (above), which was unveiled at the end of 2024 and measures just 4.2m long, is available with a 100kW/180Nm single-motor drivetrain with either a 47.3kWh or 59.9kWh battery, or a 155kW/292Nm dual-motor system with an 81.8kWh battery. Chery has confirmed it will launch the iCar brand in Europe and Australia, although in these markets the name is being tweaked to iCaur in order to avoid a trademark conflict with Apple. Should this collaboration with Ineos come about, it will be Chery's second SUV partnership with a foreign brand. Through its relationship with JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), it will build and launch the Freelander brand in China before taking it across the world. The new Freelander models will replace local production of Jaguar and Land Rover models at the company's joint venture factory in Changshu. MORE: Everything Ineos Content originally sourced from: The Ineos Fusilier may actually come to life after all, but with a little help from Chinese automaker Chery. According to Autocar, Ineos has opened discussions with Chery about using the Chery's iCar battery-electric (EV) and range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) platform architecture for the stalled Fusilier project. Ineos unveiled the Fusilier concept in February 2024 with a view to putting it into production by 2027 as smaller companion to the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster ute. The Fusilier concept had a skateboard platform designed for pure electric and EREV drivetrains. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. By July that year, though, the company beat a strategic retreat, delaying the car's launch indefinitely due to "reluctant consumer uptake of EVs, and industry uncertainty around tariffs, timings and taxation". Using an existing platform from another automaker will save Ineos both time and money. Once the Fusilier is on the market, it will help Ineos meet its CO2 emissions targets in the UK and Europe. At present Ineos sells some of its cars as commercial vehicles, as they have less stringent targets. Currently the iCar brand is only available in China, although the brand's first model, the 03, is available in some export markets under the Chery or Jaecoo marques. The iCar V23 (above), which was unveiled at the end of 2024 and measures just 4.2m long, is available with a 100kW/180Nm single-motor drivetrain with either a 47.3kWh or 59.9kWh battery, or a 155kW/292Nm dual-motor system with an 81.8kWh battery. Chery has confirmed it will launch the iCar brand in Europe and Australia, although in these markets the name is being tweaked to iCaur in order to avoid a trademark conflict with Apple. Should this collaboration with Ineos come about, it will be Chery's second SUV partnership with a foreign brand. Through its relationship with JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), it will build and launch the Freelander brand in China before taking it across the world. The new Freelander models will replace local production of Jaguar and Land Rover models at the company's joint venture factory in Changshu. MORE: Everything Ineos Content originally sourced from: The Ineos Fusilier may actually come to life after all, but with a little help from Chinese automaker Chery. According to Autocar, Ineos has opened discussions with Chery about using the Chery's iCar battery-electric (EV) and range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) platform architecture for the stalled Fusilier project. Ineos unveiled the Fusilier concept in February 2024 with a view to putting it into production by 2027 as smaller companion to the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster ute. The Fusilier concept had a skateboard platform designed for pure electric and EREV drivetrains. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. By July that year, though, the company beat a strategic retreat, delaying the car's launch indefinitely due to "reluctant consumer uptake of EVs, and industry uncertainty around tariffs, timings and taxation". Using an existing platform from another automaker will save Ineos both time and money. Once the Fusilier is on the market, it will help Ineos meet its CO2 emissions targets in the UK and Europe. At present Ineos sells some of its cars as commercial vehicles, as they have less stringent targets. Currently the iCar brand is only available in China, although the brand's first model, the 03, is available in some export markets under the Chery or Jaecoo marques. The iCar V23 (above), which was unveiled at the end of 2024 and measures just 4.2m long, is available with a 100kW/180Nm single-motor drivetrain with either a 47.3kWh or 59.9kWh battery, or a 155kW/292Nm dual-motor system with an 81.8kWh battery. Chery has confirmed it will launch the iCar brand in Europe and Australia, although in these markets the name is being tweaked to iCaur in order to avoid a trademark conflict with Apple. Should this collaboration with Ineos come about, it will be Chery's second SUV partnership with a foreign brand. Through its relationship with JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), it will build and launch the Freelander brand in China before taking it across the world. The new Freelander models will replace local production of Jaguar and Land Rover models at the company's joint venture factory in Changshu. MORE: Everything Ineos Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Ineos may use Chery platform for smaller SUV
The Ineos Fusilier may actually come to life after all, but with a little help from Chinese automaker Chery. According to Autocar, Ineos has opened discussions with Chery about using the Chery's iCar battery-electric (EV) and range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) platform architecture for the stalled Fusilier project. Ineos unveiled the Fusilier concept in February 2024 with a view to putting it into production by 2027 as smaller companion to the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster ute. The Fusilier concept had a skateboard platform designed for pure electric and EREV drivetrains. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert By July that year, though, the company beat a strategic retreat, delaying the car's launch indefinitely due to 'reluctant consumer uptake of EVs, and industry uncertainty around tariffs, timings and taxation'. Using an existing platform from another automaker will save Ineos both time and money. Once the Fusilier is on the market, it will help Ineos meet its CO2 emissions targets in the UK and Europe. At present Ineos sells some of its cars as commercial vehicles, as they have less stringent targets. Currently the iCar brand is only available in China, although the brand's first model, the 03, is available in some export markets under the Chery or Jaecoo marques. 2025 iCar V23 Credit: CarExpert The iCar V23 (above), which was unveiled at the end of 2024 and measures just 4.2m long, is available with a 100kW/180Nm single-motor drivetrain with either a 47.3kWh or 59.9kWh battery, or a 155kW/292Nm dual-motor system with an 81.8kWh battery. Chery has confirmed it will launch the iCar brand in Europe and Australia, although in these markets the name is being tweaked to iCaur in order to avoid a trademark conflict with Apple. Should this collaboration with Ineos come about, it will be Chery's second SUV partnership with a foreign brand. Through its relationship with JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), it will build and launch the Freelander brand in China before taking it across the world. The new Freelander models will replace local production of Jaguar and Land Rover models at the company's joint venture factory in Changshu. MORE: Everything Ineos
West Australian
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Ineos may use Chery platform for smaller SUV
The Ineos Fusilier may actually come to life after all, but with a little help from Chinese automaker Chery. According to Autocar , Ineos has opened discussions with Chery about using the Chery's iCar battery-electric (EV) and range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) platform architecture for the stalled Fusilier project. Ineos unveiled the Fusilier concept in February 2024 with a view to putting it into production by 2027 as smaller companion to the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster ute. The Fusilier concept had a skateboard platform designed for pure electric and EREV drivetrains. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . By July that year, though, the company beat a strategic retreat, delaying the car's launch indefinitely due to 'reluctant consumer uptake of EVs, and industry uncertainty around tariffs, timings and taxation'. Using an existing platform from another automaker will save Ineos both time and money. Once the Fusilier is on the market, it will help Ineos meet its CO2 emissions targets in the UK and Europe. At present Ineos sells some of its cars as commercial vehicles, as they have less stringent targets. Currently the iCar brand is only available in China, although the brand's first model, the 03, is available in some export markets under the Chery or Jaecoo marques. The iCar V23 (above), which was unveiled at the end of 2024 and measures just 4.2m long, is available with a 100kW/180Nm single-motor drivetrain with either a 47.3kWh or 59.9kWh battery, or a 155kW/292Nm dual-motor system with an 81.8kWh battery. Chery has confirmed it will launch the iCar brand in Europe and Australia , although in these markets the name is being tweaked to iCaur in order to avoid a trademark conflict with Apple. Should this collaboration with Ineos come about, it will be Chery's second SUV partnership with a foreign brand. Through its relationship with JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), it will build and launch the Freelander brand in China before taking it across the world. The new Freelander models will replace local production of Jaguar and Land Rover models at the company's joint venture factory in Changshu. MORE: Everything Ineos
